The Cradle of Civilization

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The Cradle of Civilization

• The land between to Rivers

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Rivers support the growth of civilization
The Tigris River
Early people settle where they could grow
crops Crops usually grew well near rivers
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The Land between the Rivers

• The Tigris and Euphrates rivers are the two most
  important characteristics of Mesopotamia
• Mesopotamia is part of a larger region called the
  Fertile Crescent.

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The Rise of Civilization

• Hunter-gatherers first settled in Mesopotamia
  around 10,000BC
• Over time they learned how to plant crops and
  produce their own food
• The rivers flooded every year and left silt on
  the banks of the rivers
• Silt, a mixture of pebbles and dirt, made the
  land fertile for farming

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How farming lead to civilization

• First, people began to farm.
• As time passed they learned better techniques
  such as the use of the plough, irrigation systems
  that included canals.
• This lead to a surplus of food, extra food.

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How farming lead to civilization

• Second, having a surplus of food, people were
  able to concentrate on other things beside
  producing food.
• With more time on their hands people began do
  other jobs

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How farming lead to civilization

• Finally, Doing jobs based on abilities rather
  than necessities is called division of labor
• Doing different jobs meant more needs could be
  meet and societies could accomplish more

So there you have itfarming leads to
civilizations
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Irrigation and Civilization
Early settlements in Mesopotamia were located
near rivers. Water was not controlled, and
flooding was a major problem.
Later, people built canals to protect houses from
flooding and move water to their fields.
With irrigation, the people of Mesopotamia were
able to grow more food.
Food surpluses allowed some people to stop
farming and concentrate on other jobs, like
making clay pots or tools.
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